Let’s face it! Ferrets are cute, little animals with little difference from most other pets. Presumed as high maintenance pets, having a ferret(s) as your pet sounds frustrating, but this is far from the truth.
In this article, we uncover this cute, little, intelligent animal, how to keep it as a pet, and ten reasons why it would make a great pet in your home.
Recommended reading: The Importance of Microchipping Your Pet
10 Interesting Facts About Ferrets That You Didn’t Know Ferret’s Latin name is(furittus) a little thief’ because they are known for hiding things under their couch Ferrets have been domesticated for 2500 years and cannot survive on their own in the wild. They are legal pets in most states in the US except Hawai, California Ferrets are the 3rd most popular pets in the US Although confused by many as rodents, ferrets are related to weasels and skunks.
Ferrets are natural carnivores that consume raw meat. They don’t consume fruits, vegetables or grain Ferrets are heavy sleepers (18-20 hours) and stay awake for about 6 hours or less like cats, ferrets are self-groomers that should be bathed approximately 4 or 5 times a year Ferrets are extremely intelligent and playful animals that live between 5-7 years They are fairly easy to feed, live and travel with compared to other pets. With that in mind, here are 10 reasons why a ferret would make the ideal pet animal.
Well-groomed ferrets have a naturally stale smell unlike many other animals, which adds to their overall cute characteristic.
The small size, googly eyes, pretty straight face, tiny ears, and beautifully-pigmented pelage (fur) make ferrets one of the cutest animals to have as pets according to MSN lifestyle.
The ideal ferret cage should be at least 36 by 24 by 24 inches or bigger, secure, warm, and placed in a central position in your room. A good quality cage costs $100+ with annual ferret feeding and housing costs amounting to under $500. Bigger pets like dogs require larger kennels that are pricier and also come with higher feeding and housing costs.
Ferrets are self-grooming animals that require minimal grooming sessions and should be bathed 3-4 times a year only. Overbathing your ferret makes it secrete body oils that cause it to smell more than usual.
They spend most of their time sleeping, making them less sweaty compared to other overly active pets. This helps you save in shampoo and grooming costs compared to other pets that require frequent grooming.
Ferrets are very approachable and friendly animals that can help lift your moods. They are playful, affectionate pets you can interact and play with. Unlike some cats, dogs, and other pets, ferrets almost never bite. Ferrets will snuggle up on your lap or between your feet, walk well on leashes, and stay calm when you clip their claws.
To have the best experience when petting ferrets, it is advisable to have them in pairs or groups. If you only want one ferret, you are advised to ensure that it receives maximum attention and play time as it would with another ferret around.
Like skunks, ferrets emit a pungent smell from their anal glands when provoked or scared, but the smell is mild and fades fast. Nowadays, most ferrets are descended(surgical removal of the scent glands) before they are sold https://u. osu. edu/pets 4life/pet-care-basics/ferrets/.
Compared to pets like dogs and other exotic animals, ferrets generally cost less to own and come with low maintenance costs. Owning a ferret sets you back between $50-$200 with annual expenses costing you as follows: Cage($100), Bedding($20), litter-box ($20), food and supplements($240), and health care($500)
Pets like dogs cost between $100-$1000 with annual expenses exceeding $1500, and cats come with annual expenses of over $ 1100, which makes ferrets a cheaper pet animal.
Like cats, ferrets can be trained to go in a box. The extent is, however, not as precise as cats, and you should expect a few mishaps. You can reliably train your ferret(s) to use a litter box stored in the cage, which makes them better in terms of littering compared to dogs and other rodents.
Moreover, ferrets are territorial animals that use scent to mark territory.
Expect your ferret(s) to urinate around the house once in a while, especially if there’s scent from another ferret in your area.
Ferrets are quiet, reserved animals that sleep long hours and stay composed when active. Like many other pets, they are overly playful when happy, low when sick, and moody when distressed.
Your ferret’s body language tells a lot about its current mood and state.
In a happy mood, your ferret will perform a dance of joy'(bare its teeth, puff the tail and throw its head back), paw the ground, roll over and make little chirping noises.
In an unhappy mood, your ferret may bare its teeth, shriek, hiss, hide, scream, or bark abnormally. When your ferret is unhappy, it’s advisable to pet it, play with it, or give it space depending on the situation.
Generally, ferrets are quiet, composed, and sleepy animals and any abnormal sounds or body language may be a sign of happiness, distress or want
Although they need to be fed frequently (every 3-4 hours), ferrets are easier to feed compared to most other pets.
A ferret will consume $300 worth of food annually compared to $400 and $500 for cats and dogs, respectively, making it the better option in terms of food expenses.
Unlike before, when it was scarce, ferret food is now available from commercial pet food manufacturers in different varieties.
Ferrets are obligate carnivores with a high metabolism and short digestive system, so need to feed frequently. The ideal ferret diet should comprise high protein like meat, high in fat, and low on carbs and fiber…
Some foods can be harmful or toxic to your ferrets including dog or cat food, cooked bones, fruits, vegetables, bread, grains, sugar free food, chocolate, caffeine, and some dairy products Overall, ferrets are easy to feed, consume low-cost food, don’t grow obese and consume less compared to other pets.
Ferrets are amazing animals whose intelligence is reflected by their curious, playful, and persistent nature. Many ferret owners have shared experiences where their ferrets have showcased amazing intelligence capabilities
The ferret’s intelligence makes them easy pets to train, exercise, and generally, live with. They have distinct personalities because of their intelligence levels, which makes them ideal emotional buddies.
This may not sound like a great thing about ferrets, but it actually is!
Ferrets are heavy sleepers that can sleep for more than 18 hours every day and only active for 6 hours or less. This makes ferrets the ideal animal for pet owners who work long hours and have little time with their pets a day or for those looking for an animal that requires minimal attention.
Properly fed ferrets will spend most of the day asleep and rarely trashes the house like cats and dogs when excited.
Oversleeping also makes them convenient feeders that only eat when they need to and not whenever food is available.
We have seen ten reasons that make ferrets ideal pet animals.
With that in mind You are probably wondering;
Yes.
Ferrets require to be vaccinated annually against common diseases like rabies, cancers, pneumonia, and influenza. You are advised to take your ferret for veterinary checkup frequently to prevent them from contracting illnesses.
No.
Different countries and states have different regulations about owning ferrets. In the U.S., for example, ferrets are legally excepted in all states except in Hawaii and California; as well as the cities of Washington D.C. and New York
In Australia, it is illegal to own ferrets in the Northern Territory and Queensland
It is, therefore, advisable to check the regulations in your state or country before owning a ferret.
Owning a pet is both enjoyable and helps you have a companion in the house, but getting the ideal pet can be challenging. Depending on what you are looking for, different pets can be used for different purposes.
Ferrets are ideal pets if you are looking for a small, friendly, sociable, reserved, clean, intelligent, and extremely adorable pet. They’re convenient and largely affordable pets compared to larger options that are heavily dependent on humans like dogs.
If you’re looking for a small, adorable, pet that’s intelligent easy to train and live with; you might want to consider owning a ferret.
Emilee Pace in Croatia and she is 35 years old. She loves ferrets, and she wants to show others how ferrets are cute animals and perfect pets.
Guest post from: https://ferretvoice.com/
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